Michael Olise nets late winner as France edge past Belgium


Michael Olise produced a stunning 89th-minute winner as France overcame Belgium 1-0 in their Nations League clash in Brussels.

Zinedine Zidane's men dominated the A1 group fixture, but left it late to see off their neighbours in an entertaining match despite the lack of goals.

Olise had been on the pitch just 12 minutes when he made the decisive breakthrough, setting off on a run that started inside his own half and which swept him past four home defenders before directing his shot into the bottom left corner.

It gave France, who made nine changes following their 1-0 victory over Türkiye, a deserved win with their dominance apparent early on when Désiré Doué hit the crossbar.

Esteban Lepaul then directed a Doue cross straight at Senne Lammens when he only had the goalkeeper to beat as France continued to probe.

They were unlocked themselves by a counter attack down the right, only for Kevin De Bruyne's dangerous cutback to pass across the area with none of his Belgium teammates arriving to make the most of it.

Leboeuf: Olise showed his talent vs. Belgium
Leboeuf: Olise showed his talent vs. Belgium

Bradley Barcola appeared to have been pushed over by Brandon Mechele but referee Rade Obrenovic waved away claims for a penalty and soon after De Bruyne unsuccessfully tried his luck from the halfway line.

All the brighter moments were coming from France as a Maghnes Akliouche free kick ignited a series of frantic defensive interventions from Belgium, who eventually cleared their lines.

An unmarked Nathan Ngoy sent a pass across the goal as the centre-back roamed forward in another sign that France needed to stay alert, even if they remained in control.

De Bruyne flashed wide and Belgium's resurgence continued into the second half with Timothy Castagne their latest player to send a dangerous cross into the area without reward.

But France responded by piling the pressure back on, first with Doué's dancing feet creating the space for a shot that went narrowly wide before Lucas Da Cunha hit the right post from long range.

It turned into a full-scale onslaught from the visitors as the magnificent Doué forced a fingertip save from Lammens and once again the Paris Saint-Germain forward showed his agility to break into the area.

As they pushed forward again, France were hit on the counter as Charles De Ketelaere released Dodi Lukébakio who was denied by a fine save from Mike Maignan.

Lukebakio again forced Maignan into action as part off an absorbing finish to the match, which was decided in the 89th minute when Olise hit the mark.